What to Wear On Safari?
Above all, clothing on a safari should be practical and comfortable. Roads can be dusty and the temperature can fluctuate as much as 20 degrees during the course of the day. Layers are an ideal way to pack. Mornings are generally cooler - and in some areas cold. As the day progresses and the sun rises higher in the sky, the temperatures rise. The cooling process begins again in the late afternoon, as the sun sets.
Packing light layers will help you adjust to any climate condition, as you simply remove layers as the temperatures rise. Safari clothing should be light in color - both for reflecting the suns rays, and for blending in with the natural environment. Avoid dark colors such as brown, black and navy that absorb the heat. Neutral colors such as beige, khaki and bush green are particularly suitable. Try to stick to cotton or other natural fibers. Cotton breathes and allows the cooler air to circulate, thus keeping you cool and comfortable. Avoid clothing that needs to be dry-cleaned, as these facilities are not generally available at lodges and camps. Remember that casual dress is acceptable everywhere. Often, clothing worn to dinner will be worn on safari the next day. Recommended Clothing List
Shorts/Skirts
Long trousers/slacks
T-shirts/polo shirts/long sleeved shirts
Warm winter sweater
Windbreaker or other light jacket
Bathing suit
Good walking shoes Sunglasses, Hat, and the most important aspect of a Safar a pair of binoculars. For Summer Safaris bring a light rain jacket(Summer for SA Nov to March/April, for Botswana Nov to March) For some destinations ie upmarket Safari lodges, Luxury hotels, more formal clothing would be appropriate. Packing for A Safari
Packing light is essential on safari. Luggage capacity on safari vehicles - as well as light aircraft - is limited. Hard suitcases cannot be taken on safari. Whether you travel by road or by air - or a combination of both - please advise them to leave their hard-sided suitcases at home. Because luggage capacity is so limited both on vehicles and in light aircraft, luggage must be carried in soft-sided bags that can be molded and fit into small areas. When light aircraft flights are included on your client's itineraries, please caution them as to weight restrictions. Light aircraft flights throughout Africa are limited to 12 kgs. (or approximately 26 pounds) per person. For the safety of your client, this weight restriction is strictly adhered to.
What happens if you bring more luggage?
If you are on a longer safari and will be visiting several countries with different climate conditions, we recommend they pack in two bags - splitting their trip in half. One bag can be left in a major city hotel while on safari, picking it up prior to departure for the next leg of their journey.
If you are traveling by road, and the vehicle is full, they may be charged for their excess luggage. OR, you may be asked to repack their bags, leaving larger bags behind. In the worst case scenario, if your are not returning to your originating point, they may be charged for the cost of an additional vehicle to carry your excess luggage.
If you are traveling by air, and the aircraft is full, the pilot may tell you that your excess luggage will have to be left behind. Or, he may advise you that you need to travel on another flight, incurring extra charges for either chartering an aircraft or paying for additional seats to compensate for their excess luggage.
Casual attire is appropriate on all safaris. Fancy clothing is not necessary, and laundry facilities are generally available at all camps and lodges. With proper planning, you can limit your luggage to one soft-sided bag and avoid any inconvenience along the way.
Recommended Miscellaneous Check List
Sunglasses
Bush hat
Sunscreen
Insect Repellant
Plenty of Film!!!
Extra batteries for all equipment (camera, flash, shavers)
Extra pair of glasses.
Eyeglasses for contact wearers - windy, dusty conditions can irate contact wearer's eyes
Binoculars
Plastic zip lock bags - great for soiled clothes, protecting camera equipment from dust, etc.
Tissues, wash-n-dries
Sufficient underwear (in some countries, underwear cannot be laundered due to local culture and customs)
Moisturizer
Flashlight
Scarf and gloves for colder months
Light rain coat/umbrella for rainy months - and visits to Victoria Falls!
Personal hygiene items (expensive and not always available in lodges)
Alarm clock
Hard candy (great for thirst quenching on dusty rides)
Lip Balm
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